13 November, 2007

I wish I knew. The photos are of the latest prototype. So we are making progress, but it's taken over a year to get to this point. Maybe by spring?

The other VO bags are out of stock at the moment because the manufacturer of the waxed cotton fabric we use ran out of it. I don't know when they will make more, but it shouldn't be too long.

When will the production frames arrive?

I was told that late May 2008 was possible for the rando frames and that we might see the city bike frames a bit earlier. But we all know how often production delays make such estimates guesses at best. When we get closer to delivery and the date seems set we'll accept deposits for the frames.By the way, the production lugged rando frames will use the same geometry and tubing specs as the semi-custom frames and they use standard long reach caliper brakes. The geometry is tuned for 28-32mm tires. We are shooting for a price of just under $1000. But the Japanese Yen has been rising relative to the dollar in the past few weeks, so it's hard to say what the final price will be.

Is something in stock and how much will it cost to ship?

If an item in our store can be put into the "shopping cart", it is in stock. Otherwise you'll get a "item not available" message.

The store web site will calculate US shipping costs prior to asking for your credit card info. For very light items we often charge less shipping than the store site calculates.

If you live outside the US we will send you an e-mail telling you the shipping cost when you place an order. You can then accept the shipping cost or cancel the order.

I don't mind if you e-mail me about shipping or availability, but it's much faster to simply check the store site.

How about the new style bell mounts?They arrived today. These will allow you to use a stem mount-style bell even on classic bikes. They are polished stainless steel and made for us by a manufacturer of yachting hardware here in the US. They are available with, or without, the bell.

Very nice bag. Two suggestions - weep holes in the bottom of the side pockets so water can drain out. I've seen these on older French bags. Seemed like a nice idea. Also, holes in the flaps under the top to tie them together.

SC, I want tall pockets because I use side pockets for tall stuff, Cliff Bars, bananas, and sun glasses. My camera and wallet go in the back pockets.

The hardware and the map pocket are the next round of development. It also needs a rear strap and a few other details. But first the the main pieces have to be right so cutting dies and patterns can be made.

Not sure why--but I'm not entirely charmed by the look of this bag. It looks rough, unrefined to me (like LL Bean v. Filson luggage). I guess I'm not a fan of dark brown leather trim against green fabric. I'm still drawn to the superefined, finished look of these Japanese bags:

http://www.guu-watanabe.com/frontmfunky.html

I love the visible stitching on the watanabe bag (but not sure about the "funky" lining). Love brown or light tan/khaki paired with tan leather trim.

Maybe it's just because I'm from Seattle but I worry what this bag will do in the rain. It looks like water will run right inside the main compartment. Is there a way to design the main flap with a bit of an overlap to keep water out?

Hello Chris,The bag looks great! It's time that someone gave the $225 rotting canvas TA bags some competition! Fresh new leather and canvas...m-m-m. My humble suggestion would be to create a leather logo patch for it that mimicks the ole TA patch, but with VO, of course...cheers, Mark, Atlanta

If you make a 68cm frame c-c I will buy one... it might be a bit more trouble, but there are many of us tall ridders that have been ridding bikes way too small or of poor quality because we do not have 1600+ for a custom frame... thanks

Annon, The City bikes will be available in both men's and mixte styles, 5 men's sizes and 3 mixte sizes. They use 650b wheels, canti brakes, and internal geared hubs. The color is basic black and the geometry is very close to, but not identical to, our current city bikes. The tubing is light so they will be comfortable. There are chainguard braze-ons and we will have a nice inexpensive metal chainguard for it.

With lower bars, or even drop bars, this frame should also make a very nice all-around utility bike that can be ridden on shorter tours, gravel roads, or canal tow paths. The main purpose, though, is as a comfortable, elegant, and refined city bike.

Ever had any problems with the threads on TA BSC threaded pedals? I founds the threads were too short/cropped so they came loose. I stopped using them which was a shame since they are otherwise nice pedals.

Light canvas shades; tan, khaki, for my bags; I need them to reflect sunlight or the bags become a solar ovens where I ride. Of course, they will show road grime more; so that may be a regional and stylistic preference. I once spray painted my black vinyl Schwinn-approved saddlebag bright white for that reason; it worked very well, and I didn't mind being unusual; my primary aesthetic has always been form following function.

And the hardware: like TA, simple, light replaceable elastic and hook closures, long leather buckled straps to dangle it from the handlebar, or an option for a plain mounting area for your fine decaleur, and a clear plastic panel on top to hold the map/cue sheet? If only some non-toxic organic material existed for that purpose... ;-)